Warm Apple Cider Cinnamon (Printable)

Aromatic apple cider infused with cinnamon and spices, warmly comforting and ideal for cold weather.

# What You Need:

→ Base

01 - 4 cups unfiltered apple cider

→ Spices

02 - 2 cinnamon sticks
03 - 4 whole cloves
04 - 2 star anise (optional)
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Sweetener (optional)

06 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup

→ Garnish

07 - Fresh apple slices
08 - Additional cinnamon sticks

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise if using, and ground nutmeg.
02 - Place over medium heat and bring just to a simmer, taking care not to boil.
03 - Stir in brown sugar or maple syrup if desired, then simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
04 - Remove spice solids by straining the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
05 - Pour into mugs and garnish each with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's deceptively simple yet tastes like you've been simmering this all day long—pure kitchen magic in just twenty minutes.
  • The whole house smells absolutely incredible while it's warming, which honestly might be the best part.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so everyone can gather around a warm mug without worry.
02 -
  • Never, ever let this boil. I made this mistake my second time, thinking the harder the heat, the faster the infusion. The result was bitter and sharp, and I learned that gentle always wins with spiced drinks.
  • The apple slices aren't just pretty—they actually soften as they sit in the warm cider and become a delicious, spice-infused treat. My friends have actually fought over who gets the apple slice at the bottom of their mug.
03 -
  • If your apple cider seems too sweet for your taste, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the finished drink—it brightens everything and prevents the spices from feeling heavy.
  • Toast your cinnamon sticks and cloves lightly in a dry pan for thirty seconds before adding them to the cider. This wakes up their essential oils and deepens the flavor by what feels like a full degree of complexity.

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